Readers respond to our question: How should stores mark Christmas?

In the political world of 2013, stores don’t want to offend anyone by saying “Merry Christmas” to those who don’t celebrate Christmas. Should I boycott those stores because a conservative group says to? Of course not. Stores have the freedom to print whatever message they choose in their ads. Store associates are probably told what greeting to give to a customer and may be told not to use the word “Christmas” and just say “happy holidays.”

My response to “happy holidays” is to ask what holiday they are referring to, and replying “Merry Christmas” when I leave.

We need to remember that to many people, Christmas just means a celebration with family and time off from work or school.

The true meaning of Christmas where the only savior of mankind gave his life for us so that we may have eternal life in his presence is not what many celebrate. This should be our concern — not what a store associate says to us when we shop.

— Richard Camera, El Monte

Store owners can’t be blamed for being inclusive

A war on Christmas? I doubt it. Every adult should know the “real reason for the season” means promoting a sales blitz to maintain a functional economy.

When a sales clerk or advertisement offers a wish like “happy holidays,” celebrating Christians can reflect on their meaning of Christmas and their reason for gift giving. But they are not the only religion or culture that celebrates holidays at the end of the year. Hasn’t anyone ever heard of Hanukkah or Kwanzaa? The last time I checked, those holidays involved gift giving, too.

With our diverse American culture, it would be a shame to assume that everyone believes in or celebrates traditional Christian holidays, and it should not be forced on them. Stores want grand sales figures, and if it means luring all customers in with a general holiday greeting, I don’t blame them.

— Chamois Lopez, Long Beach

Profiting from Christmas? At least acknowledge it

When some stores start the Christmas season before Thanksgiving, when they decorate with Christmas trees and holly, and when they wear Santa Claus hats — in short, when they rely upon Christmas to move them into the black and they milk it for every nickel they can — but then refuse to acknowledge that Christmas even exists, then yes, in answer to your question, that’s rude.

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— Brad Haugaard, Monrovia

A holiday that’s too big to be owned by anyone

Turning Christmas into “happy holidays” is like running salsa through a blender until you get a sticky liquid. It is simply vulgar. It’s like replacing mom-and-pop eateries with McDonald’s outlets. It’s a dumbing down of our cultural traditions.

Sure, Christmas has always had its religious side. But Nativity scenes are just one element in this salsa. Christmas is also Santa Claus, Christmas trees, presents, Yule logs, lights, eggnog, feasts and family.

The word Christmas has long ago lost its narrow, religious connotation. The Christian tradition itself is a late addition to the ancient, joyous celebration of the winter solstice — the return of the sun. Jesus was depicted, early on, as another sun god in a long line of sun gods. The season was originally a sun thing.

Why should we be offended if some segments of society stress religious meanings while others celebrate the winter solstice or Santa Claus? Why should we be offended if some people don’t celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is too big to be owned by anyone.

— Dave E. Matson, Pasadena

Stores have a right to celebrate as they see fit

When I was in junior high, I sang in the school choir, and the courts stole Christmas. The Christmas concert was transformed into the “holiday” concert. Lyrics were changed on traditional, sacred music. All divine references were eliminated. At the tender age of 13, I was outraged. Our traditions, history and literature had been denied and censored for reasons I could not comprehend by the country that promised to protect freedom of speech and religion.

However, stores are not government; they are participating in a free-market economy. They should be allowed to freely celebrate the birth of the savior or the season of giving as they see fit. It is a marketing decision decided by the owners. Our influence should be solely limited to the cash register. If you like how they are doing business, please shop there. If not, do not.

God bless us, everyone.

— Stephen Smith, Eagle Rock

Christmas controversy raises a bigger concern

Getting Christ back into Christmas is a minor issue compared to getting Christ back into Christians. I, for one, fall far short of representing my savior.

So instead of arguing or boycotting, I offer this prayer: Dear God, help me to reflect your son’s character instead of my own arrogance. Help me to show your love to everyone and to protect those who cannot defend themselves — the orphan, the widow, the homeless, and the unborn. Amen.